For those keeping score, the amount of TV coverage devoted to the Colorado wildfires in recent weeks has been tremendous. One station leads the pack, however, when it comes to the sheer volume of pre-emptions — coverage beyond regularly scheduled newscasts.

KMGH-Channel 7 far outpaced the competition, according to Nielsen data. “We had over 33 hours of fire coverage outside of normal newscasts – the rest of the market had just under 20 hours combined,” said 7News’ boss Jeff Harris. Audiences noticed, giving the station a strong No. 2 finish in the ratings, behind market leader KUSA.

7News presented a remarkable 33+ hours on top of its regularly scheduled 30+ hours. KUSA and KTVD together had 12 hours beyond the usual, market-leading 55+ hours. KCNC produced 5+ hours beyond its usual, KDVR had just under 2 hours beyond its usual. The numbers ultimately say a great deal about the priorities of local newsrooms: two organizations stepped up in a time of extraordinary breaking news.

Joanne Ostrow has been watching TV since before "reality" required quotation marks. "Hill Street Blues" was life-changing. If Dickens, Twain or Agatha Christie were alive today, they'd be writing for television. And proud of it.